Stretch marks. Striae Gravidarum. The marks of pregnancy. Call them what
you will. But they are the one thing that all women dread will occur as soon as
they get pregnant.
But what are stretch marks anyway? And why do they occur?
Well, the reason lies in the anatomy of the skin. The skin has two layers –
a thin upper layer called the epidermis, and a thicker, lower layer called the
dermis. Scattered in the dermis are fine protein filaments called elastin that,
like a piece of rubber band, are capable of stretching on being pulled. But
just as a rubber band can stretch only so far and no further, these elastin
fibres can also be stretched only to a certain extent. If stretched further,
they snap. The increasing bulk of the uterus during pregnancy causes the skin
to stretch to a great extent and the elastin fibres are torn. The torn elastin
produces scars on the skin called Stria Gravidarum or stretch marks.
They occur on the lower abdomen of all pregnant women, right?
Well, right and wrong. They appear in most pregnant women, but not in all
and not just on the lower abdomen. Stretch marks occur when the skin is
stretched in a very short period of time, as in pregnancy or in obesity.
They
occur:
-In the lower abdomen in pregnancy.
-Along the sides of the breasts either in pregnancy or in obesity.
-Upper thighs.
-Occasionally even on the inner sides of the upper arms.
But can stretch marks be prevented?
Thankfully, the answer is yes, to a certain extent. Although some women are
genetically prone to develop stretch marks, it has been noted that athletes and
women accustomed to heavy, physical labour get very few or no stretch marks.
This is regardless of whether their female relatives have stretch marks or not.
The reason for this is that that these women have very well-developed and
strong abdominal muscles. These muscles can easily take the weight of the
growing uterus and prevent it from pressing forwards on the skin – rather like
wearing a strong muscular belt under the skin. The skin is thus stretched less,
less elastin fibres are damaged, and there are fewer stretch marks.
Again a supple, healthy, well moisturized skin is capable of stretching
more without any lasting damage. So if a woman can strengthen her abdominal
muscles and keep her skin healthy and supple, there is less chance of her
developing stretch marks.
But how? How do I develop my muscles and keep my skin moisturized?
1. Exercises
Gentle exercises for the abdominal muscles can be started as soon as
pregnancy has been confirmed or even as pregnancy is being planned.
Exercise 1 : Standing erect, raise both arms above the head. Bend forward
slowly to touch your toes. Hold the position for a count of 100. Then slowly
straighten up. Do this exercise at least once daily.
Exercise 2 : Standing erect, raise both arms above the head and clasp your
hands. Now bend slowly to your left as far down as you feel comfortable. Hold
for a count of 10. Straighten up slowly and then bend to your right. Hold to a
count of 10. Straighten up. Exhale as you are bending and inhale while
straightening up. This makes one set. Do at least 3 sets once daily.
Exercise 3 : Stand straight with feet about 12 inches apart. Place hands on
your back at the waist. Slowly bend back, as far back as you feel comfortable.
Hold to a count of 10. Straighten up. Now bend forward slowly, hold the position
to a count of 10. Then straighten up. Exhale as you are bending and inhale
while straightening up. This makes one set. Do at least 3 sets once daily.
These three exercises will strengthen the abdominal and back muscles as
well as gently stretch the skin. They also improve the posture during
pregnancy.
2. Caring for the skin
Keep the skin moisturized by applying oil – olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil or any good baby oil – thoroughly over the skin of the abdomen, hips and thighs. Massage it in with sweeping upward strokes. You can do this before you exercise so that the oil is properly absorbed as the skin is stretched during exercise. This will make the skin supple and healthy and capable of stretching without damaging the elastin fibres.
Keep the skin moisturized by applying oil – olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil or any good baby oil – thoroughly over the skin of the abdomen, hips and thighs. Massage it in with sweeping upward strokes. You can do this before you exercise so that the oil is properly absorbed as the skin is stretched during exercise. This will make the skin supple and healthy and capable of stretching without damaging the elastin fibres.
3. A Good Diet
Take a good diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and adequate liquids. And do not forget your daily vitamins. This will ensure a healthy and supple skin.
Take a good diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and adequate liquids. And do not forget your daily vitamins. This will ensure a healthy and supple skin.
